Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

“My team and I have been in regular communication with both NYSNA and hospital leadership for weeks, and that work has led to real progress. Eleven hospital systems have either reached agreements or agreed not to proceed with strikes at this time.

“While negotiations will continue, we expect strikes to begin tomorrow at three hospital systems in Manhattan and the Bronx.

“If strikes move forward, the Department of Health will have staff on site at all affected hospitals beginning tomorrow morning and for the duration of the strike to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.

“My top priority is protecting patients and ensuring they can access the care they need. At the same time, we must reach an agreement that recognizes the essential work nurses do every day on the front lines of our healthcare system.

“This weekend, I signed a two-week Executive Order allowing hospital systems to access resources to maintain patient care.

“I continue to urge both sides to remain at the table and reach an agreement as soon as possible.”

 

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Urges New Yorkers to Spend Holiday Gift Cards

 

Over $28 Million in Unused Gift Cards Recovered by DiNapoli’s Office in 2025

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to spend and register the gift cards they receive during the holidays to avoid losing track of their money. After five years of inactivity, retailers are required by law to turn unused gift card balances over to the State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF), where the money can always be claimed. In 2025, DiNapoli’s office recovered more than $28 million in unused gift cards that New Yorkers can claim.

“Spend those gift cards you get this holiday season, so they don’t become unclaimed funds,” DiNapoli said. “Also consider taking the extra step of registering the gift card so if you do forget about it, it’s easier to return those funds to you. No one wants to lose money, and we want to make sure if you do, you know you can always claim it by going to our website. Funds sent to our office never expire and are free to claim.”

Registering a gift card helps retailers connect unused balances to a person’s name, making it easier for DiNapoli’s office to reunite New Yorkers with their money if a card is lost or goes unused.

Retailers can provide OUF with a name if the person registers the gift card online, if they have been issued a refund, or if the card was purchased with an existing store account. If the owner’s information is not known to a New York retailer, it will report the card details, such as card number and balance, which can be used by the recipient to claim the balance.

Unclaimed funds can be claimed at any time online, by phone at 800-221-9311 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by mail, or at in-person events, which are held throughout the year across the state. Claims are always free to file, and funds never expire. 

DiNapoli reminds gift card recipients to read the fine print on the card for details about any fees and expiration dates.

In 2025, OUF returned more than $580 million to their rightful owners.

Video of State Comptroller DiNapoli Discussing Gift Cards

State Comptroller DiNapoli Urges New Yorkers to Spend and Register Holiday Gift Cards - YouTube

NYS Office of General Services to Host New York's Beloved Community Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany

 

Free Event Headlined by Gospel Singer and Grammy Award Nominee Melvin Crispell, III

What: Join the New York State Office of General Services for the annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy.

This free event will feature interactive activities and an art display by artist Erin L. Kuhn in collaboration with students from Jefferson Community College (SUNY), as well as performances by interdisciplinary artist Taína Asili, violinist Gwen Laster, and gospel singer and Grammy Award nominee Melvin Crispell, III.

When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Program begins at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany, N.Y.

Who: Interviews will be available with:

• Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette M. Moy
• SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. King, Jr.

FREE parking available in the Visitor’s Lot after 4 p.m. https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/parking  

For event updates and additional information, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on X, or call (518) 474-4759.

OGS is implementing a new emergency text alert system, which the public can use to receive emergency notifications specific to the event they are attending. For the New York State Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the public can text ESPMLK to 888777 to opt in and receive emergency messages. 

MAYOR MAMDANI APPOINTS RAFAEL ESPINAL AS COMMISSIONER OF THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

 

The Mamdani administration will ensure NYC remains a home for the artists who shaped it 

 

Espinal led the Freelancers Union, advancing the rights and protections of freelancers  

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of Rafael Espinal as Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). As Commissioner, Espinal will advance the Mamdani administration’s agenda to ensure New York City remains a place where artists and creatives can afford to live and work. Espinal will report to Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su.  

 

Rafael Espinal is the current Executive Director of the Freelancers Union, where he has advanced the protections and rights of independent workers nationally. In 2019, there were 1.3 million freelancers — around 34% of the workforce — in New York City, many of whom work in the city’s creative industries. As Commissioner, Espinal will work closely with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ensure that the workers who make up this industry can live in the city they have been so essential to creating. Previously, Espinal served on the New York City Council, representing Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills, and East New York. As a Council Member, he championed the rights and protections of artists and small businesses.  

 

“You cannot tell the story of New York without the artists who have shaped it,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Yet, the cost-of-living crisis is driving creatives out of our city. That is a loss we cannot afford. As Commissioner, Rafael Espinal will support our city's artists and help ensure New York City remains a place that every artist can call home. He has led this work nationally, fighting for the rights and protections of independent workers and he will bring that fight right here to New York City.” 

 

“One of our top priorities is to make sure all of government works together and with the intention to grow industries that make this city vibrant, that reflect its beauty and creativity, and that bring good union jobs to New York City. MOME must lead in this space,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. 

 

“I’m honored to join Mayor Mamdani’s administration and lead the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. New York City’s artists, creatives, and freelancers have made New York City into what it is today — if we want to keep our city’s culture, it is critical that they can afford to live and work here. I look forward to supporting our creative industries, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that the city remains a home for artists,” said Rafael Espinal, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.  

 

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment supports New York City’s creative economy through its Film Office, NYC Media, Press Credential Office, and Programs and Initiatives divisions. Together, these offices handle permitting and licensing, workforce development, incentives for creative projects, and oversight of the City’s public media outlets. In 2017, more than 293,000 people were employed in New York City’s creative economy, generating billions in economic activity. MOME will continue advancing work that keeps creative jobs in New York City, powers tourism, and ensures the people who do this work can afford to live here. 

STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN RAJKUMAR ON FATAL STABBING IN WOODHAVEN

 

Our community is grieving the devastating loss of 17-year-old Josue Argudo, whose life was taken far too soon in a violent act that has shaken Woodhaven to its core. From the beginning, I have been in communication with the 102nd Precinct on this heartbreaking ordeal.

I want to acknowledge that two alleged attackers have been apprehended and charged, and I commend law enforcement for their swift action. The investigation remains ongoing, and I urge anyone with information to come forward.

But an arrest alone does not bring peace to a family who has lost a child — nor does it answer the deeper questions we must confront.

This could have been anyone’s child.
How did this happen here, in our neighborhood?

This is the question keeping parents awake at night, and they demand more than condolences — they demand accountability, reflection, and action.

We must fully understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy, examine where systems failed, and ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent violence from stealing another young life. In partnership with the 102nd Precinct I am closely following this investigation and working with our community, schools, and law enforcement to address both the immediate concerns and the root causes that put our youth at risk.

To Argudo’s family: Woodhaven stands with you. We mourn with you. And will honor the memory of Josue Argudo.

Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square Completes Reconstruction In Hunts Point, The Bronx

 

The City of New York has completed a $12 million reconstruction of Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square in Hunts Point, The Bronx. The project was a joint effort by NYC Parks, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Managed by DDC, the initiative transformed the high-traffic plaza into a safer, more accessible public space and was completed on time and nearly 20 percent under its $14.8 million allocated budget. The square is located at the intersection of Bruckner Boulevard, East 163rd Street, and Hunts Point Avenue.

Members of the various city agencies responsible for the project joined local leaders for a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 8.

The redesign addressed longstanding pedestrian safety concerns by realigning roadways to reduce traffic, adding a new traffic lane, and improving signage. The upgrades also included 30 ADA-compliant ramps, 35,000 square feet of sidewalk, 3,500 feet of curb, and new asphalt paving, along with connections to the city’s bike lane network.

New amenities were also installed within the plaza, such as seating, bike racks, movable planters, and a water fountain. Improvements to infrastructure included upgraded lighting, a new bus shelter, drainage enhancements with new catch basins, and replacement water mains. Community artwork created by local students was also installed along the site’s fencing during construction.

The closest subway from Del Valle Square is the 6 train at the Hunts Point Avenue station. Several MTA bus lines have stops nearby, including the Bx6 and Bx19.

Housing Lottery Launches for 727 East 215th Street in Williamsbridge, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 727 East 215th Street, a four-story residential building in Williamsbridge, The Bronx. Designed by Boaz M. Golani Architect and developed by Israel Frankel of Silverlight Management, the structure yields 15 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are three units for residents at 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $81,635 to $116,640.

Residences feature air conditioning, hardwood floors, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity, including stove and heat.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there are three one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,173 for incomes ranging from $81,635 to $116,640.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than February 4, 2026.

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Community January Meeting AND 2026 Monthly Schedule.

 

The Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association  will be restarting our Monthly meetings on TUES.Jan 13,2026 at Bronx House,990 Pelham Parkway South Bx NY 10461 .We start at 7 pm sharp.We have scheduled a very important and significant guest for January. From the Office of The Mayor:NYC Office for The Prevention of Hate Crimes .Please join us for this powerful event.